It’s spring break this week and your kids have nothing to do. They’re glued to the TV. You’re going to tear out your hair if you hear even one more “Sponge Bob Square Pants” rerun. They need something creative to do.
If left to themselves, children are creative–often more creative than we are. However, it seems we’ve created an environment for children that doesn’t allow for much creativity.
Lots has been written about the causes: Television, computer games, mind-numbing toys, highly structured free time, the emphasis on skills and knowledge for school testing, and teaching for mandated “No Child Left Behind” tests.
It goes without saying that children need knowledge and skills, but they also need to learn how to think creatively, that is, to create new ideas from scratch. Creativity is, after all, an important life skill.
Even if your child’s teacher is restricted by “teaching for tests,” you can encourage creative thinking at home. So turn off the TV. Turn off the computer games. Suggest activities and games that promote creative thinking.
Try these activities: [Read more...]
When it comes to your child, you’re the expert. So if you have even the slightest inkling that your son or daughter is struggling in school, remember, he or she doesn’t have to.
Your teen’s having trouble in algebra. Maybe your second grader is already behind in reading. Perhaps you have a high school senior who wants to do well on his SAT’s and feels he’s not prepared. Where do you go for help? And how do you choose the right person? You could look for a tutor? Or would a coach would be better?
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